10 Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Past 200,000 Miles

With the high cost of new vehicles, many vehicle owners try to make their vehicles last as long as possible. While some owners prefer replacing their vehicles every couple of years, many prefer to keep their vehicles running as long as possible. In the past, vehicle owners typically got rid of vehicles once they reached 100,000 miles. However, with new automotive technology, many vehicles can now last more than 200,000 miles. Here are 10 tips on how to keep your vehicle running past 200,000 miles.

1. Buy a Reliable Car

One of the best ways to ensure your car runs past 200,000 or at least give it a good chance to last that long is to buy a reliable car. In a perfect world, any new car we buy would be reliable because it’s new. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world, and while most cars are reliable when they’re new, some are made for longevity and others are not. Consumer Reports is one of many sites that offers guides to car reliability.

2. Read the Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is in your glove compartment for a reason. Unfortunately, many car owners only read the owner’s manual two times: when the car is new and they want to learn about accessories and when they need information for car problems. Reading and following the manual’s instructions can help your vehicle last longer.

3. Follow the Owner’s Manual

In addition to reading the owner’s manual, it’s important to follow the service schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer. Money Talks News states that every vehicle is different, which is why it’s important to follow the manual that comes with your vehicle. The manual will not only tell you when the car needs certain maintenance but also what parts it requires.

4. Find a Qualified Mechanic

It’s important to find a qualified mechanic even if you plan on doing a lot of the maintenance yourself. There will probably come a time when something big comes up that you can’t fix. Once you find a qualified and reliable mechanic, stick with him or her because you want a mechanic that not only knows your vehicle but is also familiar with what’s normal and what isn’t normal with your vehicle.

5. Buy Quality Parts

Our first instinct is always to try to save money when we our vehicles need maintenance or repairs. However, it’s important to use quality parts when servicing your vehicle. They’ll help add to the life of your vehicle and may keep the warranty active if it’s still in the warranty part.

6. Change Oil and Oil Filter Regularly

The frequency in which you change your oil and oil filter may vary from one car to another but most require changes every 3,000-5,000 miles. Failure to change the oil on schedule can lessen the life of the engine and affect how the vehicle runs.

7. Avoid Short Trips

While I’m not saying all your trips need to be across the country, try to avoid a series of short trips. Short trips do not allow your vehicle’s engine to reach the most beneficial operating temperature and give your car too many quick starts without being properly warmed up.

8. Pay Attention to Manufacturer Recalls

Pay attention to any recalls that may be on your vehicle. They’re not only for your safety but also to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition and prevent further repairs being needed.

9. Clean Your Car Regularly

While keeping a vehicle clean may not affect the life of the engine, it can help the body. Also worth noting is that while cleaning the vehicle inside and out you may be in a position to spot irregularities under the car or under the hood.

10. Pay Attention to Your Vehicle

Even if you take your vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance, it’s important to pay attention to your vehicle, how it runs and how it sounds. If you notice or hear anything out of the ordinary, check it out. The early you can detect a potential problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to repair.